New Orleans Saints vs Carolina Panthers Prediction & Picks - NFL

Prediction published on 9/8/24, 9:28 AM  by Bill Christy in NFL Picks

2023-2024 was not the best season for the New Orleans Saints. Derek Carr and the offense left a lot to be desired. However, the Saints went out and grabbed offensive guru Coach Kubiak from San Fran over the offseason. He will need to fix things quick and that will need to start with the offensive line. If he can get that group to step it up, it should help the run game with Alvin Kamara and thus open things up for Carr and the air attack. On defense, they hope to have a top 10 defense once again. They added free-agent Chase Young in hopes to provide more pressure on opposing QBs. The overall age of the defense is in the upper portion of the league average so a slip is eminent.

After the 2-15 season the Panthers put up last season, the Panthers and new coach Dave Canales have nowhere to go but up. 2nd year QB, Bryce Young will need to take steps forward after a subpar rookie season. Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen will be decent weapons for him but the offensive line needs to be better. They allowed a league leading 62 sacks last season. Chubba Hubbard will also need to be a bigger part of the offense if they want to open things up for the passing game, it will need to start with establishing the run. The defense was the only thing that kept Carolina in games last season and besides the loss of Brian Burns, the remaining members are returning.